Christmas travel chaos looms at London's main airport as staff plan strike

Christmas Travel Chaos at a Major UK Airport

A major UK airport could face significant travel disruptions this Christmas as staff are set to go on strike during the festive period. Passengers flying with EasyJet from London Luton Airport may experience delays and cancellations due to planned strike action by employees working for DHL, a company that provides check-in and baggage-handling services for the airline.

The strike will last for six days, starting at 3am on December 19 and ending at 3am on December 22. Further strike days are scheduled from 3am on Boxing Day to 3am on December 29. According to reports from the Unite union, approximately 71 flights will be affected on December 19, followed by 60 flights on December 20 and 74 flights on December 21. On the second round of strikes, 71 flights may be impacted on December 26, 60 on December 27, and 74 on December 28.

The affected routes include popular destinations such as Spain, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Around 200 workers, all members of the Unite union, are participating in the strike after rejecting the company’s latest offer of a 4.5 per cent pay increase. These workers argue that the proposed raise does not address the current cost of living crisis or the rising costs of food, fuel, and heating.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, stated: "DHL and EasyJet can comfortably afford to offer these workers an above-inflation pay rise. It is shameful that hardworking members can't afford the basics and they are paid less than their counterparts. These companies must stop putting profits over people and come back to the table with a fair pay offer to avoid this disruptive strike, which is entirely of their making."

In the second quarter of 2025, DHL Group's operating profits increased by 5.7 per cent to €1.4 billion. Meanwhile, EasyJet has announced it expects profits of more than £700 million in the 12 months to September 2025.

One worker shared his concerns: "I was in debt from a previous low-paid job, but this hasn't ended as my pay isn't enough. I have the same routine of dedicating myself to a job where I can only cover rent and food. I can't afford to save to give a better life to my child or spend enough time with my child."

Jeff Hodge, regional officer for Unite, added: "We know passengers set to fly EasyJet from Luton on these dates will be concerned, but the dispute is entirely the fault of DHL who can well afford to pay these workers a wage they can live on but are choosing not to. Strike action could still be avoided, but that now hinges on DHL returning to negotiations with an offer that is acceptable to our members."

EasyJet released a statement saying: "We are disappointed to hear of the planned industrial action by Unite ground handlers employed by DHL at London Luton Airport on 19 to 21 and 26 to 28 December. Should this action go ahead, we will work closely with the airport and DHL to ensure that robust contingency plans are in place to minimize any disruption so we are currently expecting to operate our full flying programme on these dates. In the meantime, we urge DHL and Unite to reach an agreement as soon as possible."

The Daily Mail has contacted Luton Airport and DHL for further comment.

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